India is also an ideal spot for gay vacations for those who love history, culture, visiting important sites, shopping at both old-world bazaars and modern, high-end boutiques, dining on exceptional Indian cuisine, trekking through the wilderness or immersing themselves in rural village life.

Folks on a gay vacation in India will likely find that it can be a challenge to locate visible LGBT communities, even in large metropolitan areas. Of course, there are some identifiable gathering and cruising spots, mostly in urban cities. An important step towards equality was taken in 2009 when the Delhi High Court voted to overturn a–8-year-old law that defined same-sex sexual activity as a punishable act under “carnal intercourse against the order of nature.” This law has been on the books since the time of British colonial rule and is still enforced throughout India. While Delhi no longer includes same-sex relations under this law, it is still used in the majority of the country to occasionally prosecute both gay and straight people and can result in punishments that include high fines and imprisonment, up to a life sentence.

While activists are fervently working to change this law throughout the country, folks who take gay vacations to India should be aware that both gay and straight people can still be prosecuted under this law, which can result in fines and imprisonment, including life sentences. Nonetheless, there are still some hangouts that can be identified, as well as cruising areas, which can be found in most countries, regardless of conservative laws or beliefs. Both the government and Indian society have mixed feelings about LGBT people, but a continued movement towards acceptance continues to make India an even better destination for gay travel.

While the subject of same-sex relationships may still be somewhat taboo in India, it is a popular destination for gay vacations and most LGBT travelers report no problems during their gay vacations. One way to help ensure that you do not experience issues during a gay vacation to India is to participate in an organized tour arranged by a well-established, professional company offering exceptional tour opportunities that cater to the LGBT community. Opting for traveling to India as part of a tour group is a great way to make sure you do not miss some of the most popular attractions, visits to sacred temples and life-changing experiences available when traveling in India. Opting for traveling to India as part of a tour group is a great way to make sure you do not miss some of the most popular attractions, visits to sacred temples and life-changing experiences available when traveling in India.

Spirit Journeys’ Howie Holben is the author of this article. Spirit Journeys is a conscious gay travel tours organization and they host extraordinary gay tours. You can learn more about Howie, his work and spiritual gay vacation destinations at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

Polynesian seamen from other parts of the Pacific originally settled the Hawaiian Islands. Two different groups, from different parts of the Pacific, migrated to the Islands we now call Hawaii. The first group arrived around 600-750 A.D. They came from Marquesas and brought their culture with them. The second group arrived later, around 1100 A.D. They came from the Society Islands, bringing their culture. The islands were divided into small kingdoms, each with their own customs, politics, and rulers.

It wasn’t until the late 1700s when Captain James Cook arrived from England, that Western influence was felt. English influence changed life in the Islands. Among other things, firearms, metal, and new diseases that killed many islanders were introduced. Missionaries also arrived, bringing the influence of Christianity.

In the early 1800s sugar can and pineapple plantations were established. When the islands couldn’t provide enough workers for the plantations, owners recruited migrant workers from China, Japan, Russia, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. This brought many more cultures into the mix of island diversity. Today many more crops are grown and the large plantations have dwindled. However, tourists can visit Plantation Village at Waipahu to get a glimpse of what plantation camp life was like.

In the early 1900s, luxury hotels began to appear along the coastline today known as Waikiki, drawing the rich and famous to the near perfect tropical climate. These resorts have all the amenities you would imagine, including pools, large rooms and the highest quality guest beds.Today the Honolulu travel industry has made it possible for many people on many budget levels to enjoy island culture and climate. Package deals and budget lodging are available for people who take the time to research vacation deals.

Hawaiians are anxious to share their rich cultural heritage. Take some time to visit the coastal vacation area and a few historical museums to better understand the history of the area.